Bold Predictions For Matchup Vs. 1-2 Rams

P.J. Quinn

09/30/2014

The 3-1 Eagles shocked the entire nation last Sunday when they scored a whopping zero offensive points for the first time in Chip Kelly's NFL career. Some "fans" have already jumped off the bandwagon, but reasonable fans know a bounceback is in the future. Could it be this Sunday against the struggling 1-2 Rams?

This is the third week straight i've predicted McCoy to have his breakout game of 2014. Through the last couple weeks, the star back has rushed for a combined 38 yards, not quite what people were expecting from him. While he's clearly struggled this year, expect him to get it right this week. Considering Lane Johnson is returning, plus the fact that Rams defense gives up over 5 yards per run, there is absolutely zero reason for McCoy to NOT run circles around this defense.

2. Special Teams Scores Again

Whether it be a blocked field goal in the end-zone, a kick return or punt return, the special teams unit (not counting Cody Parkey) will put more points on the board this week.

Like McCoy, Nick Foles has struggled to find his groove this year. He's shown glimpses of that great QB we saw in 2013, but he also shows glimpses of Kevin Kolb, Post-Philly era. While the passer struggled specifically last week, he's confident he'll get his game back on track in time for the home matchup against St. Louis. Thankfully for him, the STL defense will be focusing on Shady McCoy all day, leaving the field open for Foles to work on his accuracy with wide open receivers.

If you had to pick a most valuable pick up for the Eagles in the 2014 offseason, it would be a dead tie between Darren Sproles and Malcolm Jenkins. While Sproles has surprisingly been the anchor of the run game, Jenkins has been a play-making machine on the other side of the ball. Through four games, the ex-Saint has 21 tackles and a whopping three interceptions, which have come in three straight weeks. That achievement marked the first time an Eagle had three picks in three straight games since Brian Dawkins. It might not be bold at this point, but don't be surprised when Jenkins makes another big play on Sunday.

With the way Josh Huff has been talking, fans are starting to wonder why he hasn't played the last few weeks. If he's healthy, why keep him out of the game? Is he ineffective on offense? Will he not make a big enough impact to garner a roster spot? I'm not so sure we'll ever find the answer, but there's one thing I know: Chip Kelly isn't one to keep his old Oregon players off the field, just ask Casey Matthews. He wants to give Huff every opportunity to find success, and it will start this Sunday. Unfortunately for the rookie, he won't exactly have a debut to remember.

6. Eagles Defense Limits St.Louis To Under 14 Points

It's hard to make a statement after you lose to a powerhouse like the 49ers, when you're next matchup is against a bottom-dwelling team like the Rams. However the Eagles will still turn heads on Sunday when they blowout the Rams and limit their struggling offense to under 14 points

This one is by far the most outlandish, but it could happen. The biggest surprise and saving grace of this team has been wide receiver Jeremy Maclin. Just one year removed from his 2013 ending ACL surgery, Maclin looks better than he ever has. Maybe it's because DeSean Jackson is gone, but Maclin is on pace for well beyond his first 1K yard year. With only 100 yards between him and Jordy Nelson (1st), look for Maclin to keep up through this week as he puts up near 150 receiving yards.